Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen strongly refuted a report from the Flyers' flagship radio station, The Fanatic (97.5 FM), that goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (Bryzzzzzzzz?) was benched Tuesday on Long Island because he fell asleep at a team meeting.

Bryzglaov had started 22 straight before being replaced by Steve Mason in arguably the Flyers' biggest game of the season Tuesday. Mason played well in a 4-1 loss. One Islanders goal was scored by the Flyers, and another was fired into an empty net after the goalie was pulled.

Sleepgate unfolded one day after former Flyers Sergei Bobrovsky of Columbus and Ray Emery of Chicago had shutouts for their respective teams. Both have been mentioned as Vezina candidates.

The Fanatic's Harry Mayes is the one who reported that Bryzgalov fell alseep at a meeting. Mayes said he stood by his report and that it came from "someone close to the organization."

Thanks for your continued support...

We recently asked you to support our journalism. The response, in a word, is heartening. You have encouraged us in our mission — to provide quality news and watchdog journalism. Some of you have even followed through with subscriptions, which is especially gratifying. Our role as an independent, fact-based news organization has never been clearer. And our promise to you is that we will always strive to provide indispensable journalism to our community. Subscriptions are available for home delivery of the print edition and for a digital replica viewable on your mobile device or computer. Subscriptions start as low as 25¢ per day.We're thankful for your support in every way.